Data & Research

Assets in 529 college savings plans continue to set yearly records, but growth in both the adviser-sold and direct-sold channels is slowing, research shows.

A good plan uses the right architecture, and the right architecture factors in steering the behavior of participants, a paper says.

Greater numbers of 401(k) participants are investing in target-date funds over the long term, says a new report.

Consulting firm Mercer has compiled a list of the top 10 recommended steps that defined contribution (DC) plans should take over the next year.

It is possible to estimate the amounts necessary to make the value of defined benefit (DB) plans equal to income paid by defined contribution (DC) arrangements.

Total U.S. retirement assets reached $21.7 trillion at the end of September, up 3.9% from the $20.9 trillion measured at the end of the June.

Many employees do not consider financial planning a top priority for 2014, according to a new survey.

When compared with their spouses, married men are 58% more likely to be a couple’s primary contact with a financial adviser.

Worries about recruiting and training new talent, as more Baby Boomers retire, top the list of challenges facing plan sponsors and advisers of 403(b) plans.

Many mid-market pension plans are considering de-risking, but still need to create a formal strategy.

A recent analysis from Russell Investments indicates that some companies still have confidence in their pension plans.

A majority of younger employees will change saving and spending habits after seeking financial advice, a survey finds.

More than half (60%) of 401(k) participants age 55 and older believe they are ill-prepared for retirement, says new research.

Misconceptions about the Affordable Care Act, the need for long-term care and how to address the particular needs of women savers are opportunities for key discussions. 

Every racial group faces a retirement crisis, but people of color face particularly severe challenges in preparing for retirement.

Common assumptions for estimating retirement costs may inflate actual needs.

There is a sizable gap between preretiree expectations and the actual age of individuals leaving the U.S. work force, a new survey shows.

Customization is of growing interest to those adding target-date funds (TDFs) to retirement plan investment lineups.

A new report finds that more employers are institutionalizing their 401(k) investments lineups.

A new survey finds that most employees consider retirement income projections helpful.